PARK RANGER SERGEANT

DEFINITION

This is senior-level professional and supervisory law enforcement work with the Missouri Division of State Parks which includes the power of arrest.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Enforces Missouri state laws and state park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings, and custodial arrests.

Exercises supervision over Park Rangers; oversees activities of other divisional staff possessing law enforcement commissions.

Prepares criminal cases for prosecution; makes court appearances; reports final case dispositions; assists assigned personnel in preparation for court appearances.

Patrols state parks and/or historic sites by emergency equipped vehicle, bicycle, on foot and/or by use of specialized vehicles (motorcycle, boat, ATV, etc.).

Administers first aid treatment to injured state park and/or historic site visitors and/or employees.

Coordinates and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.

Assumes duties and responsibilities of the Law Enforcement Manager in his/her absence.

Investigates or supervises the investigation of thefts, homicides, suicides, drownings, narcotic drug activities, motor vehicle collisions, personal injuries, and other accidents.

Seizes, collects, and processes evidence maintaining proper chain of custody for use in criminal prosecution.

Plans and coordinates law enforcement services at special events and activities.

Develops and implements safety and security plans for the protection of state park and/or historic site visitors, employees, displays, exhibits, and collected fees.

Collects data concerning equipment, repair and maintenance, and staff training needs.

Conducts annual physical inventory of division property; prepares financial reports and purchase orders; assists with budget requests.

Assists state park and/or historic site visitors; promotes public relations by providing information and directions, answering questions, and conducting educational programs concerning the state park system law enforcement program.

Reviews, approves, and evaluates the work assignments, and schedules of Park Ranger staff.

Reviews law enforcement reports.

Coordinates mutual aid agreements with local law enforcement agencies.

Exercises independence in developing and supervising work assignments; receives general administrative direction.

Promotes public relations by providing educational programs concerning the state park system, law enforcement and security to schools, civic groups, and state park and historic site visitors.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and practices used in law enforcement work.

Comprehensive knowledge of Missouri Statutes relating to state parks and criminal law.

Comprehensive knowledge of the policies, programs and procedures of state park and/or historic site operations.

Comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of safety practices and methods.

Intermediate knowledge of records and files management, budgets, and financial accounting.

Ability to administer first aid and CPR.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.

Ability to supervise and conduct criminal investigations.

Ability to communicate effectively; to perceive color differences; to hear verbal and radio communications; to interact with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.

Ability to develop and maintain clear and concise records, files, and reports.

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Missouri vehicle operator's license.

Ability to satisfactorily complete law enforcement and supervisory training courses designated by the Missouri Division of State Parks.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with other employees, law enforcement agencies and their employees, and the general public.

Ability to display a proficiency in physical arrest tactics and firearm usage.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to pass a physical fitness evaluation administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Ability to pass a background investigation administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Ability to pass a medical examination, a visual examination with eyesight corrected to 20/40 and a psychological evaluation as prescribed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources after a conditional offer of appointment is made.

Ability to be commissioned as a peace officer in accordance with the requirements established by the State of Missouri at the time of appointment.

Ability to be certified as a police bicyclist in accordance with the criteria prescribed by the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association.

Possession of a valid Missouri vehicle operator's license appropriate for vehicle assignment.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Two or more years of experience as a Park Ranger with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

One or more years of experience as a Park Ranger Corporal with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Sociology, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Park Management, Park and Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife Management, Biological Studies, Forestry, Education, Communication, or a closely related field; and,

One or more years of experience as a line officer with the power of arrest in a federal, state, county, or city law enforcement agency.

(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)

(Minor Revision 8/20/08)